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For Andy Smith, it’ll be something of a “homecoming” when he moves to New Jersey and takes over as head men’s basketball coach at Ocean County College.

Andy Smith

A high school basketball standout at Brick Memorial and former Ocean County College Viking, Andy Smith utilized his talents to receive a full athletic scholarship to the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

A graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Smith was also a standout Vulcan basketball player in the mid 90s. He was a two-year starter and the 6’6″ shooting guard set the school record twice for most 3 pointers in a game with seven: once at home against Kentucky Wesleyan and shot 7-for-7, and also on the road against Montana State – Billings.

His college basketball career started off in the NJCAA (Junior College) system, where Smith was a very successful player at Ocean County College. An All-Conference, All-Region selection, Smith had colleges across the county recruiting him.

After graduating from UH Hilo, Smith worked for the Gov. Linda Lingle as her executive administrator on the Big Island. In this position, Smith represented the governor’s office as well as 16 cabinet departments when interacting with community groups and individual constituents.

Smith founded Hawaii Island Hoops in 2004. His college prep camp is now the premier basketball camp in Hawaii. He has helped numerous student athletes find a college that is right for them. He has worked with many coaches from storied programs, such as Oak Hill Academy, Paul VI (Va) and Romulus (Mich.) high schools as well as many NCAA, NAIA, JUCO’s and professional players.

Smith also created Jersey Shore Hoops in the same manner. Knowing that many Jersey Shore student-athletes get over looked and unsung, Jersey Shore Hoops provides college-prep camps, elite skill and player development and helps each participant explore all options available to athletic recruitment across the country. The program is committed to helping find a college that is right for them.

Smith also has coached and developed many elite college and professional players skills across the country and globe including camps and clinics in Hawaii, New Jersey, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

Smith understands that when two great things go together so perfectly, like sports and education, it brings so much hope and opportunity to so many people.

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to help student-athletes through our program, because I was just like them,” he said. “My goal was to play college basketball and get my education, and now I am excited to pass on what I have learned and help them to the next level”.

— Find out more:
www.ocean.edu